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Care Opinion

Heart attack

Posted By Bol

"Heart attack"

About: Augusta Hospital / Emergency Department Fiona Stanley Hospital Mount Hospital

(as the patient),

Three weeks ago I was in Augusta, the small town near Cape Leeuwinisms in WA. I had had minor chest pains for a few days and was advised by a retired surgeon friend to go to the Augusta Hospital.

After I filled in the admission form I was moved into the surgery and attended by a very efficient group of professionals. Within a short time, I was transferred by ambulance to the Augusta airstrip where a Royal Flying Doctor plane was waiting. A direct flight to Perth where an ambulance waited and within ten minutes I was in Fiona Stanley Hospital.

A week there for tests and assessment before transfer to the Mount Hospital where a triple bypass was performed.

I am so impressed and thankful to everyone, from the staff in Augusta who did everything correctly, right through to the operation and post-op treatment.

It is rather embarrassing to think so much professionalism and dedication went in to saving me, an elderly person with little to offer the world.

It is my understanding that there is some thought being given to close the Augusta Hospital. 

This would be a grave mistake.

Not only is Augusta a popular retirement town with many elderly citizens, it is also the only safe harbour between Busselton and Albany for fishermen and professional divers, and as such can serve a vital need in an emergency.

I am sure if I had been forced to drive north to Margaret River for emergency help I may well have died.

Decisions on whether or not hospitals should close are beyond the scope of economists and statisticians, and in this case I hope the Augusta Hospital remains in operation.

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Responses

Response from Marie Tweedie, Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin, WACHS SW 6 years ago
Marie Tweedie
Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin,
WACHS SW

Submitted on 29/03/2018 at 12:23 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:57 PM

Dear Bol

Thank you so much for your experience regarding the care that you received at the Augusta Hospital.

It is fantastic to hear that the care you received has made a real difference and was so positive and prompt. We are governed by the Australian Charter of Healthcare rights, these rights are essential to make sure that, wherever and whenever care is provided, it is high quality and is safe.

WA Country health Service South West takes pride in providing the best possible care and this could not be done without our fantastic staff.

I will pass on your compliments to the staff at the Augusta Hospital with great pleasure.

I can assure you that the Augusta Hospital is not closing down. It’s a critical small hospital servicing the community and surrounds. I would be interested to know where you are hearing this concern being raised, so that I can address it with those who are concerned.

Thanks Again for taking the time to write to us and we wish you the very best.

Marie Tweedie A/District Manager Leeuwin

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Update posted by Bol (the patient)

Dear Marie,

Thanks for the response to my story. It has been quite an adventure but all is well, especially because of the care and professionalism shown right at the beginning by the staff in Augusta.

I cannot say where I heard that consideration was being given to close the hospital. Pub talk or scuttlebutt, who knows where? These stories get the mileage, but it is a comfort to know, like most urban myths, it is wrong.

Kind regards,

Bol

Response from Marie Tweedie, Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin, WACHS SW 6 years ago
Marie Tweedie
Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin,
WACHS SW

Submitted on 29/03/2018 at 4:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:34 PM

Dear Bol

Thank you again for contacting us again.

If you do hear this again, please let us know so that we can clarify any miscommunications.

Kind reagrds

Marie Tweedie

A/District Manager

Leeuwin

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Response from Tim Leen, Service Director, Service 3, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 6 years ago
Tim Leen
Service Director, Service 3, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 29/03/2018 at 5:33 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:49 PM

picture of Tim Leen

Dear Bol,

I am so pleased to hear your transition from Augusta Hospital to Fiona Stanley Hospital via Royal Flying Doctor's service and on to Mount Hospital went smoothly and that you had a successful triple bypass. Your message is really appreciated and I will be sure to pass on your thanks to the relevant staff.

I hope you are recovering well and I wish you all the best for the future.

Kind regards,

Tim Leen

A/Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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